Meet the Maker: SIY Expert Lindsay Conner
Hi, I’m Lindsay Conner! I’ve been contributing to the SIY - Sew It Yourself community for the last couple of years! When I’m not sewing, I’m a writer and editor living in Indianapolis, Indiana with my family. I’m also a proud ambassador for Baby Lock sewing machines!
When I was a kid, I was more likely to be found inside crafting friendship bracelets or making something with Mod Podge than I would be exploring the great outdoors. But today, I like to find a balance between creating and soaking in the beauty around me. Nature really inspires my creative process, as does travel!
I didn’t start sewing until after I graduated college, and I learned everything on my own from blogs and books. I started sewing stuffed toys and custom creations for friends and family, some from patterns and others from scratch. My love shifted to designing modern quilts, accessories and apparel. I’m an author of several sewing books with C&T Publishing, and I’ve contributed patterns to a number of crafty websites and product companies over the years.
Favorite types of fabric:
I am drawn to simple geometric and floral prints in a monochromatic or two-color palette. I might make a quilt with all blues, for instance. I am learning to appreciate big, bold prints! But mostly, I tend to play it safe when it comes to choosing my quilting fabrics.
Favorite types of projects:
I love sewing handmade gifts for someone else—ideally, something that you can start and finish in a day or a weekend! Tote bags, buckets, zipper pouches, and baby quilts are my go-to projects.
Favorite tips/tricks learned on your journey as a maker:
When making a quilt, they say you should measure twice and cut once. I always try to read the directions carefully, and buy a little more fabric than I need, just in case! Also, I like to have plenty of extra thread and needles on hand so I don’t have to stop in the middle of a project to run to the store.
Words of advice for other makers out there:
I used to run a craft blog where I interviewed sewing authors and designers, and one of the first people in the industry I interacted with was Jennifer Paganelli. She said some very encouraging words, which has been the philosophy I’ve tried to adopt as well. It’s all about lifting up others and teaching them what you know. She said:
“I love highlighting other women and giving them a chance to shine because it can be so competitive out there and I think we are coming into a new time of more cooperation and sharing. Coveting keeps us lonely and isolated. Sharing is really the better route to a successful business. I have amazing and very talented women that work with me and pursue their own visions and dreams and they need to be supported in that.”
There is enough creativity out there for everyone! We do not need to keep it for ourselves—let’s share our knowledge, work together, and encourage others to discover this wonderful gift of the sewing community.
Favorite projects I’ve designed for Sew It Yourself:
I really enjoyed sewing the Lavender Spa Set with dried lavender from my garden! The Flying Geese Picnic Quilt is another one of my favorite projects, and it comes together quickly with big blocks! Another favorite project of mine is the Artful Nursery Mini Quilt, as it can be adapted to your home décor and is another beginner-friendly project for those looking to get started with quilting!
What are some of your favorite types of fabric and/or projects? What's on your "make" list for 2025? Comment below!
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